2014 Fantasy Football: Top 5 Indianapolis Colts

2014 Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 5 Indianapolis Colts

Brian Spurlock - USA Today Sports

Andrew Luck returns from a top 5 fantasy football season to lead the Indianapolis Colts on more touchdown drives. Who will he sling it to the most? Will the team develop a running game or will it be all Luck all day? I'm a streaming defense type of guy. Their D didn't make my top 5, but remember they face the Titans, Jaguars and Texans twice each.

5. WR Hakeem Nicks

Brian Spurlock - USA Today Sports

5. WR Hakeem Nicks

Brian Spurlock - USA Today Sports

The ex-Giant should fit nicely as the Colts' No. 3 receiver. There should be plenty of passes to spread around, and he's owed some touchdowns badly. Last year he was scoreless on 56 catches, so he's hungry. Nicks is worth a late-round chance. He could blossom nicely, especially if injury strikes another receiver. Don't take him before the tenth round unless you're really short at wideout.

4. RB Trent Richardson

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4. RB Trent Richardson

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The mid-year trade from the Browns may have shocked Richardson as much as the rest of us. He ran hesitantly for 2.9 yards per carry, but don't write him off. He's still big and fast. Only Vick Ballard and Ahmad Bradshaw are around to challenge him. A non-platooning running back is still a good thing, so I'd feel comfortable with him as my third running back. Take him in the fifth or sixth.

3. WR Reggie Wayne

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3. WR Reggie Wayne

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A veteran receiver makes it easy on a young quarterback. He knows how to get open. Luck's not so young anymore, but he still is happy throwing it to Wayne. Age and last year's knee injury will slow Wayne a bit, but he'll still be a reliable target. He's worth 80 catches or so, which makes a fine third WR. Take him in the sixth or seventh.

2. WR T.Y. Hilton

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2. WR T.Y. Hilton

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Hilton is most likely to find the end zone but perhaps most likely to occasionally disappear. Dependence on the big play will make some seismic ups and downs on his game logs. Still, he has a solid chance to break into the top ten if he and Luck make the deep ball a habit. Take him just before Wayne unless you're the type who likes comfort over drama.

1. QB Andrew Luck

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1. QB Andrew Luck

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He's hitting the third year stride. He's big, fast, young and smart. He's tasted enough success to make him confident but far from enough to make him satisfied. He wants a ring like Russell Wilson, so expect him to break into the 4000-yard, 30-40 touchdown club. Tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener did not quite make this list, but they'll get the ball a lot, too. I'd make Luck the fifth or sixth QB taken.